Alpaca fiber

What a compelling but straightforward task to compare Accoyo fleeces with non-Accoyo fleeces! In the briefest summary, there are differences. This is, however, not to say that non-Accoyo fleeces cannot be good, excellent, or superior. I am talking about the overall picture.

Secondary consistent characteristics include:

                    • Organization of the lock to the skin

When analyzing fleeces, look at all of the fleece characteristics in concert and do not single trait the fleece. That is to say, focus on Density, Lock style, Luster, Fineness, etc., in totality because these characteristics are all related and interrelated to produce a more superior fleece. 

When I talk about Density, I am referring not only to the number of individual fibers packed into a lock, but the fineness of these fibers. These fibers, you will find, will be more highly organized within the lock so that when tested for separation, they will pull apart more easily. This will make for more user-friendly processing as well.

When checking for density, examine the microns of the fibers. Also, make sure you weigh each fleece blanket. I find that the Accoyo fleece will weigh, on average 3 – 5 pounds more than a non-Accoyo fleece. 

More defined lock style refers to the organization of the lock up to the skin and the organization of the fibers within the lock – the absence of cross-fibering, matting, or cotting, to use some familiar terms. 

Increased fleece weight correlates with density and fineness. While I was in Peru recently working at Inca Tops sorting/

grading fiber, the "Maestres" would say, "This is very dense." When I asked them to explain, they said, "It is very fine and very heavy." 

Staple length is a key to production. Accoyo fleeces are an average of 1 ½ to 2 inches longer per year than non-Accoyo fleeces. This is a significant difference and a major consideration when looking at the U.S. fiber industry. 

Fiber Grades with the individual fleeces revolves around the sorting/grading process which is relatively new to the United States. After learning the authentic method while in Peru, sorting thousands of fleeces while there, then coming back and sorting and grading both Accoyo and non-Accoyo fleeces here in the U. S., I am seeing a difference between the two. The main difference relates to the greater amount of finer fiber in the Accoyo lines – a greater percentage of the fleeces are in the extrafino, fino, and semifino grades compared with the non-Accoyo fleeces.

The additional characteristic of Luster is very important but not a specific sorting/ grading trait used in South America. Luster is obviously inherent in those Accoyo fleeces that carry the main five characteristics.

An interesting additional feature of Accoyo fleeces carrying the above characteristics is that they are easier to work with – in preparation for Show Fleeces, preparation for processing, keeping the Alpacas in "pasture ready," "show ready" condition for Alpaca shows.

Summary: Simply stated, selectively introducing Suri Accoyo bloodlines into a breeding program is a positive move in relation to improving fleece characteristics.